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Unrestricted PF/C Free Agents This Summer

With all the talk of the Pacers selecting a PF or needing to select a big guy in the upcoming draft, I thought I'd run down the list of unrestricted FA PFs that will be available after the season ends.

Like Bird has said multiple times since the season ended, they need a PF that can score in the post and defend the paint but they can probably fill that need through free agency. Here are the options:

Carlos Boozer, Utah Jazz (unrestricted if he excercises his player option) - Coming off of a rough season filled with injuries, his production was down but he's still a very good post scorer and a decent rebounder. He excels in the pick and roll. Defense is a little suspect.

Brandon Bass, Dallas Mavericks - An unheralded second round player, he's carved out a reputation as being a tough defender and rebounder despite his short stature for a PF. Freakish long arms and athleticism gives him a the ability to finish and defend well in the paint.

Anderson Verajao, Cleveland Cavaliers (unrestricted if he excercises his player option) - Like Boozer Andy said he would explore his options after the season was over and opt out of his contract. He'd be stupid to do that after his showing against the Magic and in this economy but he may do so if he decides that he wants out of Cleveland.

Shawn Marion, Toronto Raptors - Solid defender, good rebounder, great athelete and finisher at the rim, would be perfect in an uptempo offense... hint, hint.

Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers - Good all around utility player. He can do it all but sometimes lacks the desire to do it. He loves it in LA and will probably re-sign with the Lakers.

Chris "Birdman" Andersen - I think he proved that he can play in this league and bang with the big boys. He'll probably command more money than he's actually worth after his good showing in the playoffs this year. Will probably re-sign with the Nuggets because they gave him a 2nd chance at his career.

Drew Gooden, San Antonio Spurs - I don't understand why Drew keeps getting bounced around the league so much. He's been a pretty consistent player who will rebound and has a good knack for scoring in the lane. If he was a better defender he'd be a good Horace Grant/AC Green type player on a contender.

Rasheed Wallace, Detroit Pistons - He said he probably will retire unless he's offered a salary starting with at least $8 million dollars. I could see a team like Dallas or Cleveland being interested in him if they can work out a sign and trade.

Josh Powell, Los Angeles Lakers - He has a good face up jumper, good size, and athleticism. Defensively he just average but it would be interesting to see how well he'd play if given more minutes.

Chris Wilcox, New York Knicks - To me he's been a bust since he was drafted out of Maryland. He has a lot of athleticism but very little basketball skill. However, he could be a decent role player signed from anywhere between the veteran's minimum and $3 million.

Joe Smith, Cleveland Cavaliers - Joe proved he could still come in and do all the dirty work when called upon. In hindsight, he probably should've played more against the Magic considering that he was more effective than big Z and Ben Wallace against Howard. He'll probably want to resign with the Cavs or another contender and if I'm the GM of a contending team, I'd definitely want him on my squad.

Marcin Gortat, Orlando Magic - He has good hands and is a good finisher in the lane. Good shot blocker, not just from the weakside but when guarding his own man also. He's the ideal back up PF/C.

Pops Mensah-Bensu, Toronto Raptors - A D-Leaguer who is a good offensive rebounder and finisher in the lane. Good agressive defender as well.

Mikki Moore, Boston Celtics - It's very unlikely that he'll be re-signed by Boston after his poor performances during the playoffs. He's played progressively worse each season since he signed that big contract raise after playing well for one season with the Nets 3 years ago.

Josh McRoberts, Indiana Pacers - We know what he can do and he's still a young player with upside and won't command big bucks. Most likely, he'll re-sign with the Pacers.

Sheldon Williams, Sacramento Kings - Big body and can score and rebound a little. His poor conditioning is a concern but he has the tools to be a serviceable player.

There are of course some other possibilities out that are restricted FAs but it's very rare for a restricted FA to change teams so I'm really leaving them off the list. One realistic possibility could be Leon Powe, Boston Celtics, because the "C's" have another RFA in Glen "Big Baby" Davis they hope to re-sign. They might not even make him the tendered offer to keep him a RFA. If they don't, he'll become an UFA.

Then again, Big Baby may seize the opportunity to pick up more playing time elsewhere instead of re-signing and playing in KG's shadows. The difference is that I think the Celtics will match any offer around or below the mid-level exception.

Re: Unrestricted PF/C Free Agents This Summer

There are of course some other possibilities out that are restricted FAs but it's very rare for a restricted FA to change teams so I'm really leaving them off the list. One realistic possibility could be Leon Powe, Boston Celtics, because the "C's" have another RFA in Glen "Big Baby" Davis they hope to re-sign. They might not even make him the tendered offer to keep him a RFA. If they don't, he'll become an UFA.

I was all about Powe until his most recent ACL injury that took him out for the season. From my understanding, it's the 3rd time in his NBA career where he sustained the same injury. I'd be concerned about signing him to a long-term contract ( unless he came cheap ), especially if he's coming off of season-ending surgery.

Re: Unrestricted PF/C Free Agents This Summer

I would sign Brandon Bass over any other free agent this year. That includes Jack. I love Jack and think we should use our Bird Rights to sign him. I would give Brandon Bass our full MLE. Unfortunately that puts us over the LT, unless we make a trade that relieves some salary.

Re: Unrestricted PF/C Free Agents This Summer

I would sign Brandon Bass over any other free agent this year. That includes Jack. I love Jack and think we should use our Bird Rights to sign him. I would give Brandon Bass our full MLE. Unfortunately that puts us over the LT, unless we make a trade that relieves some salary.

Bass would fill an important need on this team. Although his defense may be a little overrated on this thread, he's not bad. On this team, average post defense will look pretty good. Most of all though, he is an effective and efficient scorer in the post.

Re: Unrestricted PF/C Free Agents This Summer

Plus, JOB (not that his future with the team beyond this year is certain), loves players that can shoot. Bass can hit the 15-18 foot jumper pretty consistently. I think he would fit this team perfectly and he would be getting consistent, starter-type minutes on this team. Something that he hasn't gotten up to this point in his career. I think his ability to defend, which I think there is obviously some room for improvement, has great potential. He just needs to keep learning and getting better defensively. I think he has shown flashes of being able to become a very well rounded PF.

He is a big body that suits everything this team lacks. Strength and toughness in the front court. Tough rebounder. Great work ethic. Ability to shoot inside and out. Durability and youth. Blocks shots. Good free throw shooter.

From articles I have read, he doesn't eat beef or pork. He is mature for his age. He is from Louisiana just like DG. I have a feeling he would be a great fit for our team and a relative bargain compared to what some players will get paid. I would like to see him, Roy Hibbert, and Josh McRoberts grow together in our front court. It just makes a ton of sense to me. I might be alone on this one, but I think he is a diamond in the rough.

he first impact is that it probably spells the end of Pops Mensah-Bonsu's career in Toronto. While he was an immediate fan favorite with his hustle and energy, Evans simply does the same things a lot better and with a lot more consistency. The fact that he can guard both post positions just puts him over the top.

If the Raptors were to retain Pops this summer, where/when would they play him? This team finally looks like they are getting out from under the player duplication habit they've had the last couple of years, so why jump back into it when so many other areas need an off-season focus? He was a fun player for a team that had zero energy players off of the bench, but Evans simply takes that role a step further and makes a player like Pops redundant.

A lot of that is speculation, but it's clear he's a free agent. Plus, his contract did expire, and with no Team Option, Toronto could not legally sign him until after July 1.

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Re: Unrestricted PF/C Free Agents This Summer

I'd take Gortat, but as has been well speculated here, he'll probably command more than his actual worth. I just don't know any of the guys here are overly attainable given our financial position. Perhaps Williams could be obtained at an economical price tag. I'd roll the dice on him for the right price.

Re: Unrestricted PF/C Free Agents This Summer

I'd take Gortat, but as has been well speculated here, he'll probably command more than his actual worth. I just don't know any of the guys here are overly attainable given our financial position. Perhaps Williams could be obtained at an economical price tag. I'd roll the dice on him for the right price.

His disappearing act in the finals should help bring a little rationality to the market.

Re: Unrestricted PF/C Free Agents This Summer

Drew Gooden seems a bit to me to be the second coming of Juwan Howard. I'd really like to sign him, but he'll probably be looking for a team closer to the promised land.

As for Shawn Marion, my biggest thing with him is I just can't figure out what it would take to make this guy happy. He just seems so high maintenance, which I would rather take a pass on.

I'm not a big Gooden guy and I can't put my finger on why since he has obviously cool facial hair. But really he got traded from Cleveland who basically needed what he's supposed to bring to the table, then he got traded from Chicago, who again needed exactly what is supposed to be his skill set. Something isn't right there.

Shawn Marion is the kinda pretty girl who thinks she's the prettiest girl in the world. I agree, too high maintenance. I'd hate to be his coach because I bet you have to babysit him emotionally and ask him if he's okay every game. No thanks.